SND: Come Together

[Terria Cyrrl]

Terria couldn't stop shaking her legs together as she sat, waiting, the seconds ticking by like an agonizing torture session. The Alliance had posted missions and, since she was slowly progressing in her training, Terria felt that maybe it was time for a real test. She regretted it almost as soon as she signed her name in, but here she was now on Sullust, hiding in a hut and waiting for what would probably be one of the more nerve wracking moments of her short existence.

The planet was in chaos and a lot of people had joined militias and bands of their own soldiers in an attempt to keep the peace. It was a good idea in theory, but the problem was co-ordination, there were so many that half of them had a tendency to bumble into the other while they weren't looking forward. If they could all come together, then the entire planet could breathe a collective sigh of relief at having a unified defense force, and the Alliance would be that much closer to gaining another ally. It called for an experienced diplomat, someone who had a way with words...why the hell did they choose her for this mission.

Don't think like that, you've been brushing up on diplomacy, they wouldn't have confirmed your placement if they didn't think you could do it, She thought, cool logic trying to beat out the hotbed of emotion threatening to overflow in her. She had to distract herself before it was time. She looked toward her partner for this mission, though she wasn't quite sure if he was as stressed as she was, she'd only just met him after all.
"Nervous?" She asked hopefully. Selfish? Yes, but if he was nervous, then it would be something they had in common, and possibly something to chat about, and chatting tended to help her relax.

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

Elix sipped from his flask with spiced Bantha milk and sighed. When he got the call for this mission he was comfortably sitting in a Coruscanti spice den, spiced out of his mind and gently purring back at a Cathar seductress. They needed him to be one of two diplomatic envoys to Sullust with the intent of government building. Elix guessed they wanted him because most in this fledgling alliance were at least a couple years his junior and he was one of the few who often interacted with wealthy and powerful civilians. Ofcourse, that had mostly been before he spiced up his life on Glitterryll.

Now he sat in a hut and the partner he fully expected to be a veteran in diplomacy, after all, that had been specifically stated in the mission brief, turned out to be a nervous twenty-something year old jedi padawan. Elix sighed again, deeply.

Then, some moments after she had asked him whether or not he was nervous, Elix put away his flask and turned his head towards her. "I've not been this nervous since my first Catharese love-knot," he said with a wink, knowing that one usually joke about sex when in company with a jedi. "But we'll be alright-" he added, fatherly, "-the bigger these men get the more respect they get. We just need to find the one most sympathetic to our cause and shrink anyone who would stand taller than our man."

It didn't sound easy.. and it probably was even more difficult than it sound. Luckily they had a Jedi with powers of persuasion, right?

@Panda

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

Thank the Force for humor and levity. The little joke was just what Terria needed, letting out a soft giggle that seemed to just release a little bit of that tension with it, he shoulders relaxing and falling naturally into a slight slump. It was nice to be reminded that life could still be a little fun or humorous in serious situations, even potentially life and death ones like now. Maybe that was how normal soldiers kept their cool when they were under fire, just throwing out jokes and quips left and right. She knew some Jedi compensated with snark too, evidently, a sense of humor was not a path to the Dark Side, heh. She looked back at him, smirking a little as he described the incredibly easy method of getting what they needed.
"Oh yeah, sounds simple, easy peasy...I imagine this knot will be a little more difficult to untangle, but here's hoping right?" She said, offering a pastry. "Hungry?"

If she got an answer, she didn't hear it for the sudden sound of thrusters blasting, the slight chill of the wind picking up as they focused downward to stabilize the ship's landing. Terria quickly pulled back the curtains by the window, her eyes landing on the Bi-Vane Starfighter pulling into dock nearby the camp. "Two down, one to go,"

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

Elix couldn't help but burst out in a well-meant laughter when the young jedi referenced the Catharese love-knot, causing him to completely miss the offering of a pastry and only wiping down his joyful tears after Terria confirmed the arrival of another militia leader. "You've clearly never tried to untie a Catharese-" he sniffed back some snot that was trying to leave his nose, "-love knot!" Those things were so difficult to untie that it could take literal days if all practitioners were novices.

Only a few moments after the starfighter pulled into dock a half dozen speeders arrived at the scene with one of the riders wearing a whole lot of colorful ribbons on his chest. Elix nudged Terria to look at the old geezer, "He'll probably need some of your jedi powers to convince him-" his eyes shifted to Terria and back to the multi-colored ribbons, "-to see things our way." He was clearly prideful and prideful men were known to be most irrational if they weren't to get their way.

Then Elix's eyes drifted towards the visage that exited the starfighter's cockpit. Her fur was tanned with beautiful black stripes and her tail was moving with such grace that Elix truly had a hard time not getting hypnotized on the spot. "Oh my-" he said, with his mouth remaining open afterwards and made it seem like he was going to say something more.. but it never came. Poor old Elix experienced love at first sight.

@Panda

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

Well, you know what they say, life is too good to waste, and the same can be said about fooooooooood.

The Pastry was already half gone when Terria shuffled up besides Elix again, gazing out toward the speeder convoy and looking the older commander up and down. He definitely looked like a hardass, that was for sure, and the convoy all rallied around him, so he commanded respect. He had a point about how prideful commanders could be if they were very successful, the bigger they were, the harder they fell. She thought back to before she was a Padawan when she heard about the Jedi first being revealed again. Supposedly that was unplanned and on the fly to help some people, but ultimately it just started the witch hunts again before the Jedi were strong enough. The comparison was a bit weak, but it seemed apt enough given their situation - if this turned out wrong, the entire militia could get stamped out before any difference could be made.

She raised an eyebrow toward Elix, giving him a sideways glance. She didn't like the idea of using mind tricks for negotiations...but if it was for a good cause, that made it alright, right? But if they were tampering with people's minds to do so, does that not make them just as bad as the Sith, who force themselves on the little people and manipulate their way to victory? The Jedi don't whip out the lightsabers when negotiations fail though, do they? Ugh, this was gonna be of those days. She'd been taught to always think about the consequences of her actions so she could try and determine the right course but this crap was difficult...

"Maybe...hopefully, it won't come to that," She muttered, speaking more to herself than Elix. "I take it you've dealt with people like him before then? What were they like?" She waited for an answer, but nothing came, and she glanced at him again...only to find his jaw practically on the floor gawking at the pilot. She wouldn't deny, she was a very fine kitty, but they had something of a job to do and the stress of that overwrote her libido as things stood. She gently elbowed his arm. "Want some pills for that drooling pupper?"

 

[Elix Lorso]

The three leaders of the militia met in the middle of the camp, spoke a few words between each other and then headed towards the hut where Terria and Elix were waiting for the negotiations to start. Elix meanwhile chose to ignore Terria, too captivated as he was with the Cathar..

The three leaders consisted first of the one whose camp they were in; Colonel Calo Moss. Calo is a human and a well-tested veteran of a dozen skirmishes. He's also lucky, having come out all of them without a single injury. Elix' intel about him was limited, however, although it appeared Calo was leaning towards an anti-Imperial point-of-view, there seemed to be a glint in his eyes that was hard to trust.

Second was the pilot, Misa Cann. This Cathar had reigned the skies with her airborne militia for months and the sight of her fighters flying by had instilled hope in the oppressed people. Althought a great pilot, she was young and inexperienced in leading men, let alone governing from behind a desk without the freedom to take to the skies.

Third was Major Sampson Onn. WIthout a doubt a nasty and prideful individual who feels it is his right to rule seeing as he's the only one of more notable militia leaders that had any actual experience in the matter. The Major was once an equally sour and entitled politician who was able to loudly shout "I told you so" when the previous government collapsed.

Elix stepped back from the window a couple of steps until he stood at the table where the negotiations were to take place. "Best you take point, kid-" he said as he took his datapad from the table and started typing a message. "-the wondrous Jedi are ninety-nine of all the hope people have invested in the alliance." and it never hurt to emphasize their monopoly on those "Beacons of Hope" now did it?

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

The words hit her like a durasteel wall - 'Jedi are ninety-nine of all the hope people have'.

In that moment, a light finally went off in Terria's brain. She wasn't here for her political expertise, she was here for the simple fact that she was a Jedi, because the Jedi brought hope wherever they were seen. People who lived under the Imperium and knew it's cruelty knew that when a Jedi arrived, it was a sign that things would get better, and usually it was. They were seen as warriors, liberators, peacekeepers, and hope bringers. She was here as a face, a beacon to keep the leaders and soldiers believing, and perhaps someone was hoping that she would use her Jedi voodoo to con her way through this negotiation or somehow expect Elix to do all the work. Seriously? Why do people always do that, they see the word Jedi and they instantly assume 'robed monk with a lightsaber and a pushover disposition', well she wasn't a pushover! She wasn't full Jedi! and she certainly wasn- ok, she was a robed monk, that point was fair, no lightsaber though. Well, she didn't exactly know what they expected from her, but she wasn't about to let some stuffy politician play her like a pawn.

Emotion, yet peace

The Jedi Code rang in her ears like a warning bell, and it was just then that she realized that she was staring out the window, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists hard enough to create kriffing diamonds. That little ball of anger had already formed, stirring restlessly in the pit of her belly, and she was so close to letting it just run free. She heard the ruffle of a tent flap and she quickly turned to find the three commanders standing before them, looking more than a little impatient to get things started. Now or never, show the politicians what you've got Terria, She thought, forcing everything down and moving over to the table taking in a deep breath before raising her head to greet the commanders, a warm smile spreading over her lips.

"Colonel, Major Commander, thank you for coming, I know you're all busy so I'll get to the point with this, please sit," She said, keeping her voice even and calming, trying her damnedest not to let it fluctuate - in her mind, should things get heated, she would probably be seen as the stable element that brought the atmosphere back down to an amicable level. "Since the Imperium has been ousted from Sullust, your militias have done outstanding work in keeping the peace and rounding up stragglers in your respective areas, the planet would be in a much more unstable position if it weren't for you all." She tried to stress 'all', she didn't want one of them getting a big head too early and flying off the rails. "Now, the matter of rebuilding Sullust's political and economic structures has become a more pressing priority, and like with the initial resistance efforts, the Alliance would like to ensure that a proper government is established for the people, to protect and serve them unlike how the Sith did. That's why we have come together today, to see what can be done about that, specifically the appointing of a new leader for the planet, and perhaps a pooling of resources to ensure a more coordinated and unified defense force." For an opening statement, she thought it wasn't too bad, but all things considered, she could be dead wrong. She braced herself for the responses...

 

[Elix Lorso]

The Major scoffed, Hah!" there was distinct hostility in his voice that surprised the other two militia leaders, which Elix acutely caught by the quick turning of their heads in the Major's direction. "You really think that now we've got rid of the Sith-" his eyes showed nothing but disgust at Terria, "-that we'd allow the Jedi to appoint a new government?" Elix had to admit that he had a point. The Sith and Jedi were, after all, just two halves of the same religious cult according to most of the galaxy's inhabitants. The Jedi didn't possess a role as mediator, ambassador or unbiased governing voice in literal centuries since the rise of Andraste's Empire. Now, the Galactic Alliance wasn't anywhere near making a dent in the Empire, had no significant killings of Sith on their names, yet here they were, acting like government and world builders. "I've been part of this planet's governing class since before you were born-" his voice grew in pitch, "-long before this Force gave you powers above your place!"

Kriff. Elix crossed his legs and sat back in his chair with a casual indifferent air, some would even call it smugness, before he finally saw fit to interrupt the old man. "Well," he immediately paused, waiting for all heads to turn to him in a mixture of curiosity and confusement, "Sounds like our work here is done. The other two militias will add their forces, hardware and supply lines to Major Onn's force and back him for ruler to form a government as he sees fit. He is the most experienced, after all."

His words quickly achieved the intended effect as both as both Calo Moss and Misa Cann perked up in objection, "Now wait a minute-" Calo started, "My people cannot accept Major Onn's xenophobic views," Misa Cann added in indignation, which was quickly replied to by the Major "xenophobic views!? Well have I ever! I just say things as they are and most of the aliens on this planet are scum. They're not native species."

Content in stirring a hornet's nest, Elix then looked at Terria and nodded encouragingly. The Jedi needed to reclaim their role as mediators and young Terria could revive that ancient role here today by bringing these three vastly different parties to see common ground.

@Panda

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

Of course, of course, that was going to happen, why wouldn't it!?

The Major's sudden bark made Terria flinch, and from then on, all she could think about was how much she hated this guy. The implication that the Jedi were no different than the Sith, the comment about her being 'above her place', believing that just because he was here first, he had a right to rule?? This man was an utterly arrogant, bullheaded, stubborn, loudmouthed, bucktoothed, flapjawed- what??

Her head snapped to Elix as he casually just handed everything over to the Major, looking like he was barely even listening in the process. Was this guy even at home? Why in the blazes would he ever consider someone like that a good fit for a leader, and the other two certainly had their piece to say about it as well given how quickly they interjected. They fact that he was a xenophobe only made that little pit in her stomach burn hotter as he casually dismissed things on the grounds that they weren't native species. The look she gave Elix could cut diamonds as the room started to descend into chaos.

Elix just met her wide-eyed condemnation with a smile, and Terria's brow furrowed in confusion. Why would he be nonchalant about having thrown them into a frenzy? Now she had to try and calm things down. She looked back toward the three, her head wracking itself for answers as the arguing only intensified. Ok, the Major was proud, he thought he was entitled to things because he was here first, he was dismissive of aliens because they weren't native, he thought the Sith and the Jedi were the same - what the hell could she say to make him understand. He was like the ultimate unlikable person, she had no idea how anyone could be so callous to other people...to other people...

Gotcha.

"Everyone!" She boomed, slamming her hands down on the table to accentuate herself. She took a deep breath in before continuing, letting herself have just a little breathing room to air out a little of the tension and bitterness. "Apologies, I needed to make sure I was heard." She turned to the Major, smiling wide at him. "Major, you are absolutely right, the Cathar are not native species, that would be you and the other Sullustans...but what would you say to the Sith and the Imperials that had much of the same things to say about you?" She leaned back, shrugging casually. "As I understand it, most imperials hate aliens, put them down whenever they get the chance. How horrible must it have felt to be tormented for just being what you are? To be made to feel like you didn't belong in the place you called home?" She gestured toward the Commander. "Commander Cann has fought for Sullust with her every breath, she and many others like her have bled for its survival and prosperity, this is home for them. Would you really want to deny them their home as yours was denied to you, just because of the actions of some of the bad fruit in her tree?"

She leaned back, exhaling again, pondering slightly on this last statement. "I know you all don't trust the Jedi, and maybe you're right to. The Sith terrorized you for years and along comes this other group with similar powers and different colored laser swords saying they're here to help, probably feels like invasion all over again. The truth is that we're not here to take over, we're only here to advise and mediate because we want Sullust to survive and thrive again, we serve at the behest of the Alliance, and they only want to see the galaxy and its inhabitants free from the Imperium and the Republic restored."

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

The room fell silent for a moment before Calo Moss finally raised his voice, "Perhaps this outburst showed that we might not succeed to unify our forces and ideals on our own-" he began with the other leaders seeming to nod in agreement, "-too much animosity and difference in ideals-" he looked at Sampson and then Misa, "-but I don't see how you could find a way in which we're all happy."

It was a fair doubt, as far as doubts go, and Elix couldn't help but be impressed by the seemingly cool-headedness of the Colonel so quick after an outburst. "That's the thing, Colonel-" he replied, leaving Terria to think, "-finding a way that you all leave here smiling is a dream." He immediately noticed the returning frowns on all three militia leaders..

"You're not returning to a status quo as it used to be-" he said to the Major, "-and you're not wiping out the Empire's xenophobic influences overnight," he tried to soften the blow to Misa with a apologetic smile as he said it, "-and you Colonel, I'm not sure what it is that you want but I can guarantee you won't be too happy when this is all over. Our path is one of compromise and as the Major knows, compromise is the essence of a stable government." Honestly? He hadn't the faintest of what he was talking about. It was only that in Czerka a compromise between department heads and sector representatives or home office enforcers needed to be reached to ensure a steady flow of product and sales, and Elix figured it worked the same for militias and politicians.

@Panda

 

[Terria Cyrrl]

Terria took a moment to think, letting herself fall back in her chair as Elix briefly took over, thinking and thinking and always thinking. She hadn't done too bad for herself so far - the leaders hadn't left at least, so that was a win in itself. Now she just had to get them to sit down and agree on a reasonable solution that would benefit an entire planet...no pressure. Thankfully, Elix was all too happy to be the gift that kept on giving, and though she was only really taking in his words in the background, slowly she found herself drawn towards his little explanation again. She perhaps wasn't ready to structure an entire argument, but she could definitely bolster an existing one.
"Look, you all know the world isn't all love and acceptance and fantasy, the reality is harsh and difficult to deal with, but you all stood up and pushed back against it anyway. You all know you can't just magically have what you fought for, but you can try to get as close as you can if you're all willing to make compromises and work together," She said, trailing off a little as a lightbulb went off in her head.

She slapped her head, why didn't she see it earlier?? "Work together...form a ruling council." She looked at them with a smile, but they returned only confused looks.
"What?" The Major spat, incredulous at the thought, as if she had suggested something absolutely treasonous. "Sullust has had a single leader for eons! Changing the political structure in such a way would be unsustainable!" Terria let out a soft sigh, fixing her eyes squarely on the Major. "With all due respect Major, there is no political structure on Sullust anymore, your militia practically demolished it, along with your compatriots, a planet with no political structure is unsustainable, all it would take is for the Empire to roll up with some Star Destroyers and level the planet if you weren't all united."Commander Cann furrowed her brow, stroking her chin contemplatively.
"We all have different agendas involving different areas of Sullust...we would all bring representation for them and come to more leveled agreements, three voices can often help excise the more emotional or irrational choices." She muttered, flashing a glance at the Major, who looked between them all, scoffing and looking like a child that was being told he couldn't play with his toys.

Terria finally leaned forward, straightening up and placing her hands together on the table. "It's not perfect, but it's a start of something that can be stable, and at this point, that's all you need." She advised, looking at Elix, then back at the leaders. Cann nodded slowly, followed a few moments afterward by Moss, still utterly stoic and silent throughout the deliberations. All of them looked at the Major, waiting for his own decision with bated breath. He was all that stood between Sullust and the Empire at this point, hopefully, he would make the right choice.[/COLOR]

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

Elix was impressed with Terria's final pitch and how everyone was looking at the Major, putting him under a kind of pressure he couldn't rightly get out from. "I suppose-" the prickly old man began, his eyes shifting between the Jedi and the other militia leaders, "-considering it would be a temporary thing until Sullust is able to have free elections again," which Elix was confident that old geezer would never win, "I agree with the council."

Elix smiled and nodded towards Terria while the three militia leaders starting shaking each other's hands and congratulating themselves on a job well done. Elix spend a few distracted moments on his datapad, typing in a message and making a note of Major Sampson Onn, who was an unreliability the alliance might want to get rid of permanently to avoid an Imperial resurgence on Sullust. He was unsatisfied with the information he managed to get from Colonal Calo Moss and would suggest getting someone in close to him in order to get the intel the alliance needed. Only for the Cathar pilot, Misa, did Elix not submit a report on account of wanting to do his own thorough investigation into which way her tail truly swung.

"You go ahead, Terria-" he finally said to his Jedi companion after locking eyes with the Cathar for a short moment, "-miss Cann is giving me a ride." He smiled and despite the fact that the Cathar initially shook her head, she then returned the smile and sealed the deal. The good mood for having just become one of three most influential and powerful people of a planet did wonders for your libido.

The final report for this mission was easy: Mission Success.

/end thread

@Panda